As an Ontario citizen, I do…

As an Ontario citizen, I do not support the proposed hunting legislation for the double-crested cormorant.

Where is the scientific research that shows that this is a viable option? What options were considered in making this decision? From every viewpoint, there is no evidence to support this legislation but much to discredit this.

The proposal states, that “The anticipated environmental consequences of the proposal are expected to be neutral”. The double-crested cormorant does not live in a bubble. As well as killing the double-crested cormorant, this legislation would also affect other birds breeding at the same time including those considered species at risk. Hunting during breeding season puts other birds at risk and hunting after the breeding season also puts young cormorants at risk when the parent has been shot.

There is a large cormorant colony at Tommy Thompson Park in Toronto – will this become hunting grounds for the cormorant? Will the cyclists, hikers, nature lovers, sailors, etc. have to watch out for hunters and dead and dying birds when they use the park? Research about cormorants in this park has been going on for 10 years – has this been considered in making this decision?

The cormorant is neither edible nor a game bird so basing legislation on this premise is false.
This legislation needs to be retracted and research needs to be considered because this method of dealing with double-crested cormorants is neither neutral nor viable.

Thank you for your consideration.